U.S. patent application number 15/614098 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for vertical cultivation system, components thereof, and methods for using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Organized Thought LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Organized Thought LLC. Invention is credited to Francis Haughton, Lyndsey Haughton, David Kerstetter.
Application Number | 20170354099 15/614098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60571994 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170354099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haughton; Francis ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
Vertical Cultivation System, Components Thereof, and Methods for
Using Same
Abstract
A light wall for cultivating at least one plant indoors may be
provided. The light wall may include a first side, a second side, a
top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The light
wall may further include a first lighting structure unit disposed
within sides of the light wall, and may include a first set of
mechanical devices configured to enable movement of the light wall.
The first lighting structure may be configured to provide light to
the at least one plant through at least the first side. The first
set of mechanical devices may be configured to enable movement at
least along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first
side.
Inventors: |
Haughton; Francis;
(Steamboat Springs, CO) ; Haughton; Lyndsey;
(Steamboat Springs, CO) ; Kerstetter; David;
(Hamilton, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Organized Thought LLC |
Steamboat Springs |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Organized Thought LLC
|
Family ID: |
60571994 |
Appl. No.: |
15/614098 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62347343 |
Jun 8, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 7/045 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21Y 2107/90 20160801; Y02P 60/14 20151101;
F21V 29/83 20150115; F21V 7/005 20130101; F21Y 2105/00 20130101;
F21Y 2103/10 20160801; A01G 9/022 20130101; Y02P 60/146
20151101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/20 20060101
A01G009/20; A01G 9/12 20060101 A01G009/12; F21V 29/83 20060101
F21V029/83; F21V 7/00 20060101 F21V007/00; A01G 7/04 20060101
A01G007/04; F21V 21/14 20060101 F21V021/14 |
Claims
1. A light wall for cultivating at least one plant indoors,
comprising: a first side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side,
a front side, and a back side; a first lighting structure unit
disposed within sides of the light wall; a first set of mechanical
devices configured to enable movement of the light wall; wherein:
the first lighting structure is configured to provide light to the
at least one plant through at least the first side; the first set
of mechanical devices is configured to enable movement at least
along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first side; the
first side has a vertical dimension and a depth dimension; and the
front side has the vertical dimension and a horizontal
dimension.
2. The light wall of claim 1, wherein the first set of mechanical
devices comprises a set of wheels disposed on the bottom side.
3. The light wall of claim 2, wherein: the set of wheels are
swiveling caster wheels; and the set of wheels is further
configured to enable movement at least along an axis substantially
perpendicular to the front side.
4. The light wall of claim 1, wherein the first lighting structure
unit comprises a set of reflectors configured to substantially
direct light out of the first side.
5. The light wall of claim 1, wherein the first lighting structure
unit comprises a set of reflectors configured to direct light out
of the first side and the second side.
6. The light wall of claim 1, further comprising a transparent pane
disposed along the first side.
7. The light wall of claim 6, further comprising a hinge between an
edge of the transparent pane and an edge of one of the top side,
the bottom side, the front side, and the back side.
8. The light wall of claim 1, wherein: the vertical dimension is
within 15% of 4 feet. the depth dimension is within 15% of 54
inches; and the horizontal dimension is within 15% of 15
inches.
9. The light wall of claim 1, wherein: the vertical dimension is
within 15% of 6 feet; the depth dimension is within 15% of 54
inches; and the horizontal dimension is within 15% of 15
inches.
10. The light wall of claim 1, wherein: the first lighting
structure unit comprises a first light column and a first light
source; and the first light column is configured to physically
support and provide power to the first light source.
11. The light wall of claim 10, wherein: the first lighting
structure unit further comprises a second light column and a second
light source; and the second light column is configured to
physically support and provide power to the second light
source.
12. The light wall of claim 10, wherein: the first lighting
structure unit further comprises a second light source; and the
first light column is configured to physically support and provide
power to the second light source.
13. The light wall of claim 10, wherein: the first lighting
structure unit further comprises a light mover disposed along the
top side; the light mover is attached to the first light column;
and the light mover is configured to move at least along an axis
substantially perpendicular to the front side
14. The light wall of claim 10, wherein the first light column is
disposed along the top side.
15. The light wall of claim 11, wherein the first light column is
disposed along the top side and the second light column is disposed
along the bottom side.
16. The light wall of claim 1, further comprising a second lighting
structure unit.
17. The light wall of claim 16, further comprising a third lighting
structure unit.
18. The light wall of claim 1, further comprising a mobile
carriage, wherein: the mobile carriage is disposed at least on the
bottom side; and the first set of mechanical devices is disposed on
a bottom surface of the mobile carriage.
19. The light wall of claim 1, wherein: the first set of mechanical
devices comprises a first set of trolley wheels; the first set of
trolley wheels are disposed on the front side or the back side; and
the first set of trolley wheels are located closer to the top side
than the bottom side.
20. A light wall for indoor plant cultivation, comprising: a first
side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a
back side; a first lighting structure unit disposed within the
sides of the light wall; wherein: the first lighting structure unit
includes a first light column with a first light fixture, a ballast
box, and a first reflector; the first light column is affixed to at
least one of the top side, the bottom side, the front side, and the
back side; the first light fixture is configured to receive a light
bulb; at least the first side permits the passage of light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/347,343, filed Jun. 8, 2016, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to the technical field of
agriculture. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed
to the technical fields of indoor cultivation and vertical
cultivation systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cultivating indoors requires providing artificial light in
lieu of, or sometimes in addition to, sunlight. In current
practice, the use of lamps, which are typically housed in hoods,
provide light in a downcast direction. Plants are typically placed
in a horizontal pattern on the floor or on a structure in a single
layer--e.g., inefficiently using the square footage of the
cultivating space. The lamps used in such a horizontal method may
lose more then 50% of their efficiency. Placing plants in a
horizontal pattern does not maximize the footprint of a growing
space. Horizontal cultivation does not provide efficient cost
savings to cultivate or harvest crops, especially if there is a
shortage in land either indoors or outdoors. Under such
circumstances, increased operating expenses with average production
rates make commercial cultivation financially difficult.
[0004] On the other hand, current vertical cultivation systems may
limit the consumers to specific pot sizes, growing techniques, and
style of lights. Vertical cultivation systems on the market
specifically focus on large quantities of plants of reduced sizes,
which does not allow for, or otherwise hinders, the production of
larger fruiting plants. Further, such vertical cultivation systems
may be insufficiently modular or may provide for insufficient
ventilation.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure provides a description of systems and
components thereof to address the perceived problems described
above and others, as well as methods for using the same.
[0006] In one embodiment, a light wall for cultivating at least one
plant indoors may be provided. The light wall may include a first
side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a
back side. The light wall may further include a first lighting
structure unit disposed within sides of the light wall, and may
include a first set of mechanical devices configured to enable
movement of the light wall. The first lighting structure may be
configured to provide light to the at least one plant through at
least the first side. The first set of mechanical devices may be
configured to enable movement at least along an axis substantially
perpendicular to the first side. The first side may have a vertical
dimension and a depth dimension, and the front side may have the
vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension.
[0007] The first set of mechanical devices may include a set of
wheels disposed on the bottom side. The set of wheels may be
swiveling caster wheels. The set of wheels may be further
configured to enable movement at least along an axis substantially
perpendicular to the front side.
[0008] The first lighting structure unit may include a set of
reflectors configured to substantially direct light out of the
first side.
[0009] The first lighting structure unit may include a set of
reflectors configured to direct light out of the first side and the
second side.
[0010] The light wall may further include a transparent pane
disposed along the first side. The light wall may further include a
hinge between an edge of the transparent pane and an edge of one of
the top side, the bottom side, the front side, and the back
side.
[0011] The vertical dimension may be within 15% of 4 feet or 6
feet, the depth dimension may be within 15% of 54 inches, and the
horizontal dimension may be within 15% of 15 inches.
[0012] The first lighting structure unit may include a first light
column and a first light source. The first light column may be
configured to physically support and provide power to the first
light source. The first light column may be disposed along the top
side.
[0013] The first lighting structure unit may further include a
second light column and a second light source. The second light
column may be configured to physically support and provide power to
the second light source. The first light column may be disposed
along the top side. The second light column may be disposed along
the bottom side.
[0014] The first lighting structure unit may further include a
second light source. The first light column may be configured to
physically support and provide power to the second light
source.
[0015] The first lighting structure unit may further include a
light mover disposed along the top side. The light mover may be
attached to the first light column, and may configured to move at
least along an axis substantially perpendicular to the front
side.
[0016] The light wall may include a second lighting structure unit.
It may further include a third lighting structure unit.
[0017] The light wall may further include a mobile carriage. The
mobile carriage may be disposed at least on the bottom side. The
first set of mechanical devices may be disposed on a bottom surface
of the mobile carriage.
[0018] The first set of mechanical devices may include a first set
of trolley wheels. The first set of trolley wheels may be disposed
on the front side or the back side. The first set of trolley wheels
may be located closer to the top side than the bottom side.
[0019] In another embodiment, a light wall for indoor plant
cultivation is provided. It may include a first side, a second
side, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. It
may also include a first lighting structure unit disposed within
the sides of the light wall. The first lighting structure unit may
include a first light column with a first light fixture, a ballast
box, and a first reflector. The first light column may be affixed
to at least one of the top side, the bottom side, the front side,
and the back side. The first light fixture may be configured to
receive a light bulb. At least the first side may permit the
passage of light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single cultivation wall of
a vertical cultivation system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of a double cultivation
wall of a vertical cultivation system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0023] FIGS. 3A-3D depict front, side, back, and perspective views,
respectively, of a light wall of a vertical cultivation system
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of a light wall of a vertical
cultivation system according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light wall of a vertical
cultivation system according to yet another embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a light wall of a vertical
cultivation system according to yet another embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of the light wall of FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a front view of a vertical cultivation system
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9B is a detailed view of a portion of the vertical
cultivation system depicted in FIG. 8, as identified in FIG. 9A,
which is a view of FIG. 8 without detail.
[0030] FIG. 10B is a detailed view of a portion of the cultivation
wall depicted in FIG. 1, as identified in FIG. 10A, which is a view
of FIG. 1 without detail.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vertical cultivation
system of FIG. 8.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the vertical cultivation
system of FIG. 8.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view of the vertical cultivation system of
FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lighting wall of a
vertical cultivation system according to yet another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 15 a bottom perspective view of the lighting wall of
FIG. 14.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lighting wall of a
vertical cultivation system according to yet another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0037] FIGS. 17A-F are perspective, top plan detail, top
perspective detail, side detail, side perspective detail, and
bottom perspective detail views, respectively, of a cultivating
wall of a vertical cultivation system consistent with the present
disclosure, which illustrate selected ornamental design
elements.
[0038] FIGS. 18A-F are perspective, top plan detail, top
perspective detail, bottom perspective detail, side detail, and
side perspective detail views, respectively, of a light wall of a
vertical cultivation system consistent with the present disclosure,
which further illustrate ornamental design elements.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of a vertical
cultivation system consistent with the present disclosure, which
further illustrates ornamental design elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single cultivation wall
110 of a vertical cultivation system 100 according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure. Cultivation wall 110 may include rack 2
and a plurality of shelves 10. The shelves 10 may receive plurality
of trays 12, which in turn may receive a plurality of storage units
4 for holding and retaining plants or seeds to be cultivated.
[0041] Trays 12 may prevent overflow of any liquids that may be
applied to the storage units 4 through any type of watering system.
It is contemplated that various types watering systems may be used
in conjunction with vertical cultivation system 100, for example,
drip lines, dutch bucket system, PVC piping, independent hose or
any other method to apply water to the storage units 4. In other
embodiments, shelves 10 and/or racks 2 may be adapted to hold
different types of storage units 4, including pots, cups, hanging
baskets, or other growing containers known in the art. In some
embodiments, shelves 10 may be permanently or variably angled to,
for example, provide more direct exposure to light within the
system. As shown, rack 2 and wall 110 may extend in at least
vertical (z), horizontal (x), and depth (y) directions. Rack 2 may
support a plurality of shelves 10, trays 12, and storage units
4.
[0042] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict perspective and detailed
perspective views of a cultivation wall 110 embodiment consistent
with FIG. 1. As shown, tray 12 may sit on shelf 10, which is
attached to rack 2. Storage unit 4 may sit deep in tray 12 to allow
for overflow of water to occur. A protective lip 64 may be provided
on shelf 10 to prevent movement of tray 12 or storage units 4.
[0043] Referring back to FIG. 1, storage units 4 may be arranged in
vertical columns 16 and rows 14, as shown. Rack 2 may further
include vertical support members 6 and horizontal support members 8
to provide structural support. Although FIG. 1 depicts an
arrangement of five rows 14 (each extending in the depth direction)
and fifteen vertical columns 16, it is specifically contemplated
that the present disclosure is not limited to such arrangement. Any
suitable number of rows and/or columns or any pattern is within the
scope of this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, a
cultivation wall 110 may extend in a horizontal direction (x) of 15
inches, a depth direction (y) of 15 feet, and a vertical direction
(z) of 13 feet, and may comprise a plurality of shelves 10, trays
12, and storage units 4. The dimensions may be adaptable to a wide
variety of uses. For example, the horizontal direction of rack 2
could be as small as 1 inch wide (e.g., if the shelves included
hooks upon which hanging baskets may be attached), up to 50 inches
for fruiting trees, or anywhere within that range. In certain
embodiments, for example, for plants typically cultivated indoors,
the horizontal dimension may typically range from 10-24 inches. In
some versions, the depth and vertical directions of a rack may
range from, for example, 3-30 feet (with 30 feet being a typical
warehouse ceiling height). In other embodiments, depth and vertical
directions of a rack may range from 3 feet to up to 80 feet tall.
There is virtually no limit to the vertical direction z, depth
direction y, or horizontal direction x.
[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to a rack-type
structure for receiving distinct shelves 10, trays 12, and storage
units 4. Other cultivation wall embodiments may omit shelves 10,
may omit trays 12, and/or omit storage units 4. Yet other
cultivation wall embodiments may combine rack 2, shelves 10, trays
12, and/or storage units 4 into combination components. In some
embodiments the sides of rack 2 may be permanently or variably
angled or curved to increase exposure to light.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a double cultivation wall
110 of a cultivation system 100 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. Double cultivation wall 110 may share many
aspects with single cultivation wall 110. As with the embodiment of
FIG. 1, double cultivation wall 110 may also include rack 2 for
receiving a plurality of shelves 10. Shelves 10 may receive a
plurality of trays 12, which in turn may receive plurality of
storage units 4 for holding and retaining plants. As shown, rack 2
may extend in a vertical (z), horizontal (x), and depth (y)
directions and may comprise a plurality of shelves 10, trays 12,
and storage units 4.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, rack 2 of double cultivation wall 110
may have two sides, first side 18 and second side 20 (each shown
parallel to they axis). As with the single cultivation wall 110 of
FIG. 1, Storage units 4 may be arranged in vertical columns 16 and
rows 14, as shown. However, each vertical column 16, row 14
coordinate (e.g., 5.sup.th column, 2.sup.nd row) of double
cultivation wall may include two storage units 4--a first unit 4
corresponding to first side 18 and a second unit 4 corresponding to
second side 20. Alternative embodiments can include any arrangement
of columns and/or rows. For example, a rack could include anywhere
from one to 30 shelves. Rack 2 may also include vertical support
members 6 and horizontal support members 8 to provide structural
support.
[0047] As further shown in FIG. 2, cultivation wall 110 may include
mobile carriage 22. Mobile carriage 22 may provide movement by, for
examples, rollers on a track. In alternative embodiments, movement
can be provided by one or more mechanical advantages or devices,
including, but not limited to, an overhead trolley system, a track
provided on the ceiling, a hand push crank, a pneumatic actuator, a
pneumatic cylinder, a pneumatic motor, a ball screw, a hydraulic
actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor, an electric
motor, a cart, a dolly, a linear motor, a conveyor, an elevator, a
forklift, a tow motor, a heel and axel, a block and tackle, a
pulley, a screw, a lever, caster wheels, and/or the like.
[0048] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a front view (parallel to x axis), a
side view (parallel to y axis), a back view (parallel to x axis),
and a perspective view, respectively of a light wall 120 embodiment
of a vertical cultivation system 100. Light wall 120 may include
rack 2 and a lighting structure unit 48. In turn, the lighting
structure unit 48 may include one or more of a light column 26,
light fixture(s) 30, light source(s) 28, light mover 32, reflectors
38, and ballast box 24. Light source 28 may be any type of light
emitting device known in the art including HPS, CDL, double ended
bulbs, LEDs, OLEDs, incandescent bulbs, and/or fluorescent bulbs.
Light source 28 may be, in certain embodiments, focused on a
particular light spectrum, for example, tailored to the plants
being cultivated.
[0049] As best depicted in FIG. 3B, light mover 32 may be attached
to a bar 34 which may be attached to rack 2, for example at a top
location. Light column 26 may be attached to light mover 32. These
lighting structure unit 48 elements may be attached through
plurality of methods, including but not limited to, fasteners,
bolts, and eyehook. Light mover 32 may provide mobile movement,
side-to side (e.g., along the y axis), to light column 26 within
light wall 120. Light column 26 may include one light fixture 30,
or may include a plurality of light fixtures 30 positioned at
various distance intervals. Such distance intervals may, for
example, correspond to the positions of shelving 10 or plants
disposed within a neighboring cultivation wall 110. Light source 28
may be attached to the light fixture 30.
[0050] Light column 26 may be produced out of any material such
that it may receive and physically support light source 28 and any
light fixtures 30. For example, light column 26 may comprise steel,
wood, plastic, hard resin, ceramic, and/or any other suitable
material known in the art. Light column 26 may be a rigid element.
Light column 26 can be formed in any shape including, but not
limited to, square, rectangle, triangle, or round. In other
embodiments, for example, where light mover 32 is near on a top
side of light wall 120, light column 26 need not be rigid and may
comprise a hanging wire or cable supporting one or more light
sources 38 and light fixtures 30. In some embodiments, the light
column 26 length may range between 1'-30'. In alternative
embodiments, light column(s) 26 may be configured horizontally, and
may attach to the side(s) of rack 2.
[0051] Light fixtures 30 can be designed or selected to accommodate
virtually any light source 28 type--without limit to style, brand,
or size. In some embodiments, light source(s) 28, for example, LEDs
may be assembled in strips, strings, or sheets of light emitting
devices, and light fixtures 30 may be modified or omitted
accordingly. For example, a strip of LED lights may serve as light
sources 28, light fixtures 30, and light column 26. In another
example, a sheet of LED lights may further obviate or reduce
movement advantage provided by light mover 32.
[0052] Ballast box 24 may store a plurality of ballasts and
electronics, to the extent that they are required to operate each
light source 28, or may improve such operation. Ballast box 24 may
be configured to store a plurality of any size ballast; there is no
limit to style, size, and brand. In some embodiments, the ballast
box 24 may extend approximately 14 inches in a horizontal direction
(x), approximately 53 inches a depth direction (y), and
approximately 5 inches in vertical direction (z). It may include
any combination of vents for the purpose of airflow, fans to
encourage air movement, and hinges to open the box for maintenance.
Alternative embodiments may include ballast box 24 without has no
vents or fans.
[0053] As depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D, a light mover 32 may provide
mobile movement to a light column 26 with a plurality of light
fixtures 30 at various distance intervals and corresponding light
sources 28. Such light wall 120 may include a ballast box 24
located, for example, disposed on the bottom side. In other
embodiments, one or more light columns 26 may remain static;
ballast box 24 may be located outside the lighting system in a
remote location, on the sides of the rack 2, or at the top of the
rack 2. Rack 2 that receives the lighting structure has no maximum
or minimum height, depth, or length, but its dimension height and
length dimensions preferably correspond to those of cultivation
walls.
[0054] As further depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, light wall 120 may
include one or more end plate vents 36 to provide cooling to the
ballast box 24 and/or the lighting structure unit 48 generally.
(Vents 36 are omitted from FIG. 3D.) As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, an
embodiment of the present disclosure may include an end plate vent
36 the top of the front of light wall 120 and another at the bottom
of the back of light wall 120. Alternative embodiments may be
characterized by a vice versa placement of end plate vents 36, or
the provision of one or more end plate vents 36 at various
locations on the front, back, top, bottom, or sides of light wall
120.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3D, reflectors 38 of light
wall 120 may be attached to rack 2 and provide for the reflection
of light rays from the light sources 28 to plants within plurality
of storage units 4. In alternative embodiments, reflectors 38 may
comprise or may be being integrated with vents that direct airflow
through vertical cultivation system 100 or portions thereof.
Reflectors 38 may be placed on the sides, bottom, and/or top of the
light wall. Reflectors 38 may be rounded, flat, or bent in any form
with the purpose of reflecting light to plants in, for example,
neighboring cultivation walls 110. Reflectors 38 may be made out of
any reflective material known in the art, for example, mylar,
foylon, paint, metal, foil, white plastic, or aluminum.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a side view (along they axis) of light wall 120 of
vertical cultivation system 100 according to an alternative
embodiment of the present disclosure. The light wall 120 embodiment
of FIG. 4 is similar to that depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D, except that
it includes a plurality of light columns 26, each of which support
a plurality of light fixtures 30 and light sources 28. As shown,
light columns 26 may be attached to rack 2, for example at the top
side of wall 120, by a static fastener 40. Although FIG. 4 depicts
a lighting structure unit 48 with two static light columns 26,
alternative embodiments with one, three, four, or more light
columns 26 are contemplated. Further differing amounts of light
fixtures 30 and light sources 28 provided on each light column 26
are contemplated. For example, one embodiment could provide a
single light column 26 with a single fixture 30 and single light
source 28.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of light wall 120 of vertical
cultivation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In this light wall 120 embodiment, the lighting
structure unit 48 is fully or partially enclosed by one or more
transparent panes 44. Such panes 44 may be comprised of glass or
another material that allows light rays (preferably including UV
light) to pass through. Each pane 44 may comprise one piece or a
plurality of pieces. Each pane 44 may open from either first side
18 and/or second side 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, pane 44
is opened on first side 18. Pane 44 is preferably hinged either
vertically (as shown) or horizontally, and is thereby attached to
the top, bottom, front, or back side of light wall 120. Pane 44
preferably provides a seal when closed, which may allow the end
plate vents 36 to operate more efficiently. Advantageously,
inclusion of panes 44 may permit the temperature and other
environmental conditions within light wall 120 to be controlled
separately from the temperature and other environmental conditions
to which the cultivated plants are exposed, e.g., in an adjacent
cultivation wall 110 or otherwise. This may be beneficial, for
example, in situations where light sources 28 that generate an
undesirable amount of heat are utilized.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of light wall 120 of vertical
cultivation system 100 that includes mobile carriage 22 and a
plurality of lighting structure units 48--here depicted as lighting
structure units 48A, 48B, and 48C. Each lighting structure unit
48A, 48B, 48C may include reflectors 38, a ballast box 24, light
mover 32, and light column 26, light fixtures 30, and/or light
sources 28, and may be secured to the mobile carriage 22. Each
lighting structure units 48 may be supported by rack 2. In some
embodiments, rack 2 may be assembled from multiple sub-racks 2A,
2B, 2C (not labeled) that support lighting structure units 48A,
48B, 48C, respectively. As shown, rack 2 may be configured as to
attach and secure lighting structure units 48A and 48B together
(for example by securing sub-racks 2A and 2B), and lighting
structure units 48B and 48C together (for example by securing
sub-racks 2B and 2C).
[0059] FIG. 6 further depicts the inner vents 50 that may allow for
a flow of air between and through lighting structure units 48A,
48B, and 48C. By positioning a fan, air mover, HVAC system, or the
light on one or more end plates 36, air may be circulated through
light wall 120 for exhaust or other proposes. As shown, this may be
accomplished with end plate vents 36 located only on lighting
structure units 48A and 48C.
[0060] FIG. 6 additionally depicts exemplary position for wiring
hole(s) 42 that may allow the passage of wires used in of the light
wall 120 or a lighting structure unit 48, for example, to power
ballast 24. In other embodiments, additional wiring holes 42 may be
provided on the sides, top, or even bottom of the lighting
structure units 48A, 48B, 48C. Mobile carriage 22 may provide
movement for light wall 120 (including lighting structure units
48A, 48B, 48C) within the vertical cultivation system 100, or
otherwise.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a side view (along they axis) of the light wall
120 depicted in FIG. 6.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a front view (along the x axis) of vertical
cultivation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown, the plurality of cultivation walls 110A,
110C, 110E and light walls 120B, 120D are represented in the
current embodiment. Preferably, each wall 110A, 120B, 110C, 120D,
110E is be disposed in a substantially parallel planar arrangement
with respect to the remaining walls of system 100. Cultivation
walls 110A, 110E are in a static position, and may be secured to
the wall, ceiling, or ground 66 (not shown), thus restricting
movement. Although cultivation walls 110A, 110E are in a static
position in the depicted embodiment, they are not required to be
static and can be provided with mechanical advantage for
movement.
[0063] Cultivation walls 110A, 110E may be single cultivation walls
110 and thereby provide a plurality of shelving 10, trays 12,
and/or storage units 4 on one side only. Cultivation wall 110C may
be a double cultivation wall with first side 18 and second side 20,
and may also provide a plurality of shelving 10, trays 12, and
storage units 4. The embodiment of FIG. 8 provides cultivation
walls 110A, 110C, 110E with five rows 14 of storage units 4,
shelves 10, and trays 12. In alternative embodiments, the
respective heights of shelving 10 represented on the cultivation
walls 110 may be equally distributed, randomly distributed, or
adjusted to accommodate different plant sizes, types, growing
conditions, and stages of development. The configuration of the
shelves 10 may be easily changeable, for example, by using
fasteners that connect directly to the vertical support members
6.
[0064] Light wall 120B may be disposed between cultivation walls
110A and 110C, and thereby provide light to plants in cultivation
wall 110A and second side 120 of cultivation wall 110C. Light wall
120D may be disposed between cultivation walls 110C and 110E, and
thereby provide light to plants in cultivation wall 110E and first
side 18 of cultivation wall 110C. Both light walls 120B, 120D may
include a mobile carriage 22, which may provide movement through a
track and wheel system that is locked into an elongated rail 56 on
the floor. Light wall 120B can move with ease along rail 56 in a
horizontal direction, and may thus remain aligned as it moves
towards or away from cultivation walls 110A and 110C, thereby
altering distances 60A and 60B, respectively. Light wall 120D can
move with ease along rail 56, and may thus remains aligned as it
moves towards or away from cultivation walls 110C and 110E, thereby
altering distances 60C and 60D, respectively.
[0065] Additionally, cultivation wall 110C may include a mobile
carriage 22, which may provide movement through a track and wheel
system that is locked into an elongated rail 56 on the floor.
Cultivation wall 110C can move with ease along rail 56, and may
thus remain aligned as it moves towards or away from light walls
120B and 120D, thereby altering distances 60B and 60C,
respectively.
[0066] By altering distances 60A, 60B, 60C, 6D, system 100 can be
varied to accommodate different plant sizes, types, growing
conditions, light needs, and stages of development. The distances
may be equal, or they may be unequal, as desired. Further altering
distances 60A, 60B, 60C, 6D may permit a person to access the
interior of the cultivation system for maintenance of cultivated
plants or the system 100. For example, cultivation wall 110C, and
light walls 120B, 120D may be move towards cultivation wall 110A,
such that walls 110A, 120B, 110C, 120D are adjacent, thus
maximizing distance 60D.
[0067] FIG. 8 further depicts an exemplary support trolley system.
A stability bar 54 may run along walls 110A, 120B, 110C, 120D,
110E. The stability bar 54 may be held in secure position with a
mount 52 on walls 110A and 110E. The stability bar 54 may be
captured through trolley wheels 46 on movable walls 120B, 110C, and
120D. This support trolley system provides the ability for system
100 to achieve larger depths x and larger vertical z heights, while
preventing or reducing the likelihood of a dangerous tip over
event.
[0068] As additionally depicted in FIG. 8, movable walls 120B,
110C, and 120D may include a hand wheel 58 to initiate and/or
control the movement of each mobile carriage 22. In some
embodiments, hand wheel 58 may be locked in and out of position to
provide safety of system 100. It is contemplated that vertical
cultivation system 100 embodiments with greater or lower numbers of
cultivation walls 110 and light walls 120 than in FIG. 8. In
preferred embodiments, each pair of cultivation walls has a light
wall disposed there between, and vice versa. For example, there may
be a total number of 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, or more walls.
[0069] FIGS. 9B depicts a side view of the vertical cultivation
system 100 embodiment of FIG. 8, wherein the support trolley system
is presented in further detail. FIG. 9A illustrates the portion of
system 100 that is detailed in FIG. 9B. As shown, stability bar 54
may be secured by a mount 52 located on wall 110A. Further as
shown, the stability bar 54 may proceed through the trolley wheels
46 located on walls 120B and 110C. The stability bar 54 may be any
shape known in the art suitable for this purpose. This trolley
system may permit for the safe and secure movement of the movable
walls. The trolley wheels 46 may be secured to racks 2 of the
movable walls by fasteners 62. For example, as shown, single walls
120B and 120D may each have three trolley wheels 46 and double wall
110C may have four trolley wheels 46. It may be noted that the
depicted mounting areas for trolley wheels 46 and mounts 52 are
exemplary only. Alternative embodiments may include differing
numbers of wheels 46 on any given wall, a plurality of stability
bars 54, and a plurality of mounts 52 on non-moving wall(s). In
other embodiments, a trolley system may be omitted entirely.
[0070] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cultivation system 100
of FIG. 8. Fasteners and/or brackets may be used to connect walls
110A and 110E to the ground 66. This may improve system stability
and safety. As shown, racks 2 of cultivation walls 110A and 110E
may comprise five shelves 10 with a 5.times.15 array of storage
units 4. Rack 2 of cultivation wall 110C may comprise ten shelves
10 with a 5.times.15 array of storage units 4. Light walls 120B and
120D, each include a plurality of lighting structure units 48A,
48B, 48C, that may provide light and heat to plants in cultivation
walls 110A, 110C, 110E. Each of walls 120B, 110C, 120D may include
a mobile carriage 22. Each wall may include a plurality of vertical
support members 6 and horizontal support members 8 to provide
stability.
[0071] Embodiments of methods of growing and cultivating plants
with system 100 are disclosed. In one embodiment, described with
reference to FIG. 11, cultivating wall 110A can receive a plurality
of immature plants. Second side 20 of cultivating rack 110C can
also receive a plurality of immature plants. Immature plants are
typically smaller in size and may require lighting wall 120B to be
closer, thus walls 120B and 110C may be moved towards wall 110A,
thereby reducing distances 60A and 60B. First side 18 of
cultivating wall 110C may receive a plurality of mature plants.
Cultivating wall 110E may also receive a plurality of mature
plants. Mature plants typically require greater distance from a
light source, here light wall 120D. Increasing distances 60C and
60D, may simultaneously reduce distances 60A and 60B, thereby
accommodating both mature plant growth and immature plant growth as
appropriate. In this manner, the production of both immature and
mature plants within the current embodiment of FIG. 11, allows for
system 100 to regularly adjust for the various stages of plant
growth. In alternative embodiments, cultivating wall 110E may
include mobile carriage 22 to enable its movement, thereby
increasing system 100's capacity and ability to accommodate for
various plants in various conditions.
[0072] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a vertical cultivation system
100 embodiment consistent with FIG. 8.
[0073] FIG. 13 is a side view (along they axis) of a vertical
cultivation system 100 embodiment consistent with FIG. 8. FIG. 13
illustrates an exemplary pattern of light sources 28 within a
plurality of lighting structure units 48 with respect to the
storage units 4. Alternative embodiments may include have a
different pattern of light sources 28 or other types of light
sources. For example, each lighting structure unit 48 may have two
light columns 26 with six light sources 28 each. The inclusion of
light mover 32, may offer increased efficiency with respect to the
number of light sources. 28. It may be observed that, in this and
other exemplary embodiment embodiments, the lighting structure
units 48 on light walls 120B and 120D may remain substantially
aligned and parallel with cultivation walls 110A, 110C, 110E as
various walls are moved. In other words, wall movement, light
columns 26 within the lighting structure units 48 are moved
perpendicular with respect to the cultivation walls 110A, 110C,
110E.
[0074] FIGS. 14 and 15 are top and bottom perspective views,
respectively, of another embodiment of light wall 120. This light
wall 120 embodiment may include reflectors 38 on both interior
sides, the interior of the top and bottom. Such reflectors 38 may
be attached to horizontal support member 8 and vertical support
member 6 by fasteners. In some embodiments, for example, as shown
in FIGS. 14 and 15, reflectors 38 may substantially direct light to
exit from a first side of light wall 120. Optionally in such
embodiments (not shown) the second side of light wall 120 may be
fitted with another reflector 38 to further direct light to exit
from the first side of light wall 120. In other embodiments, for
example as shown in FIG. 16, reflectors 38 may direct light to exit
from both sides of light wall 120.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a light wall 120
embodiment may also include a light column 26 disposed on upper
horizontal support member 8. The light column may be configured to
support one light fixture 30 and one light source 28, or such
elements may be combined. A wiring hole 42 may be located, for
example, on vertical support member 6. Light wall 120 include one
or more transparent panes 44 (not shown).
[0076] As shown, light wall 120 may include wheels 23, such as
caster wheels to facilitate movement. While it is contemplated that
light wall 120 may operate in a track, it may be preferred to
include swiveling caster wheels 23 so that its position within a
residential cultivation setting may be easily adjusted in
additional directions.
[0077] As depicted, light wall 120 may be relatively small to
accommodate cultivation in the residential setting. For example,
light wall 120 may extend in a horizontal direction (x) for
approximately 15 inches, a depth direction (y) for approximately 54
inches, and a vertical direction (z) for approximately 4 feet. An
alternative embodiment may extend in a horizontal direction (x) of
approximately 15 inches, in a depth direction (y) of approximately
54 inches, and in a vertical direction (z) of approximately 6 feet.
Herein, approximate dimensions contemplate variances of up to 15%.
Such dimensions are relevant because a household ceilings are
typically an average of 8 feet tall and because typical
commercially available, after-market shelving has a standard height
(vertical, z direction) of 4 feet.
[0078] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a light wall 120
embodiment, which shares many aspects with single cultivation wall
110. However, in this embodiment light wall 120 additionally
includes a light column 26 disposed on lower horizontal support
member. In yet other embodiments, a light wall 120 may
alternatively include one or more light columns 26 disposed on
lower horizontal support member or on a vertical support
member.
[0079] As depicted in FIGS. 17A-F, 18A-F, and 19, mobile carriages
22 of cultivating walls 110 and/or light walls 120 may extend along
the entire front of the walls 110, 120. As depicted, such carriages
22 may be characterized by an ornamental design to improve the
aesthetic appearance of each wall 110, 120 or the system 100 as a
whole. In some embodiments the front of non-moving walls 110, 120
may include an ornamental design similar of depicted carriages
22.
[0080] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the description herein that certain
changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be
limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited
only by the appended claims.
[0081] It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims,
the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted
that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As
such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for
use of such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only," and the like
in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a
"negative" limitation. As will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the
individual aspects described and illustrated herein has discrete
components and features which may be readily separated from or
combined with the features of any of the other several aspects
without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Any
recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or
in any other order that is logically possible. Accordingly, the
preceding merely provides illustrative examples. It will be
appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to
devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly
described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure
and are included within its spirit and scope.
[0082] Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited
herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding
the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the
inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed without
limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.
Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles and aspects of
the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended
to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.
Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both
currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the
future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same
function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present
invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the
exemplary configurations shown and described herein.
[0083] In this specification, various preferred embodiments have
been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will
be apparent, however, that various other modifications and changes
may be made thereto and additional embodiments may be implemented
without departing from the broader scope of the claims that follow.
The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
* * * * *